Flights from Dubai (DXB) to China

Discover China

Discover China

Why visit China?
China offers vast landscapes, layered history, and some of the world s most dynamic cities, from Beijing and Shanghai to Shenzhen and Chengdu. You will find a mix of ancient architecture, fast-changing skylines, and everyday neighbourhood life.

What to expect
You can wander imperial palaces in Beijing, stroll the Bund in Shanghai, and explore the tech hubs of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Inland, cities like Chengdu and Chongqing open the door to dramatic mountains, river gorges, and relaxed tea culture.

Plan your trip
China works well for both short city breaks and longer multi-city journeys linked by high-speed rail and domestic flights. It is also an ideal gateway to wider Asia, with strong connections onwards from major hubs across the country.

Top experiences in China

Walk historic streets in Beijing

Explore Beijing s grand avenues, hutong alleys, and monumental squares to see how imperial and modern China meet.

Soak up skyline views in Shanghai

Stroll along the Bund and look across the Huangpu River to the futuristic towers of Pudong, especially striking after dark.

Discover tech-forward Shenzhen

Visit creative districts, waterfront promenades, and contemporary art spaces that show Shenzhen s rapid transformation.

Unwind in Chengdu s teahouses

Slow the pace in leafy parks and traditional teahouses, using Chengdu as a base to explore surrounding countryside.

Cruise the rivers near Chongqing

Use Chongqing as a starting point for scenic river journeys through steep gorges and misty hills.

Explore lakes and canals around Hangzhou

Walk or cycle beside famous lakes and waterways, combining nature, gardens, and classical Chinese scenery.

Experience modern Guangzhou

Discover a city that blends trading heritage with riverside walks, contemporary architecture, and leafy neighbourhoods.

Uncover coastal life in Xiamen

Enjoy sea views, island walks, and laid-back streets that feel a world away from inland megacities.

Experience China s way of life

Getting around
High-speed rail links major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou in just a few hours, making multi-city journeys straightforward. Domestic flights connect coastal hubs with inland centres like Chengdu and Chongqing, while metro networks help you move quickly within the biggest cities.

Local life & culture
City life in China moves at different rhythms, from the fast pace of Shenzhen s tech districts to the slower feel of Chengdu s parks and squares. You will see residents using public spaces for music, dance, and socialising, alongside contemporary galleries, design districts, and cultural venues.

Where to unwind
China offers many places to pause between city experiences, from waterfront promenades in Shanghai and Xiamen to green parks in Beijing and Guangzhou. In Chengdu and Hangzhou, lakeside paths and teahouse gardens provide calm corners, while nearby hills and river valleys invite easy day trips into nature.

A taste of China

National dishes & specialties
Each Chinese region has its own signature flavours, with bold tastes often associated with cities like Chengdu and Chongqing, and lighter styles with coastal hubs such as Shanghai, Xiamen, and Guangzhou. Travelling between cities lets you sample very different regional dishes in a single trip.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find everything from simple noodle shops to contemporary bistros in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Food streets, casual eateries, and family-run spots sit alongside modern restaurants that reinterpret local classics, giving you plenty of choice at every budget level.

Signature & scenic dining
Many Chinese cities offer memorable dining in locations with views, such as riverfront restaurants in Shanghai and Guangzhou or lake-facing venues in Hangzhou. In Xiamen and coastal districts, you can enjoy fresh seafood, while high-rise dining rooms in Beijing and Shenzhen pair city skylines with refined menus.

Retail therapy in China

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, large malls combine international labels with home-grown brands, cinemas, and dining floors. These lifestyle centres often sit above metro stations, making them easy to visit between sightseeing stops or meetings.

Markets & local crafts
Across cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Hangzhou you can browse markets and smaller boutiques for calligraphy, textiles, tea, and decorative pieces. In older districts and pedestrian streets, independent shops and craft stalls offer items with a stronger local character.

Evening retail scene
Shopping districts in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou stay lively into the night, with illuminated streets and extended opening hours. In many cities, pedestrian zones and waterfront promenades combine late-night shopping with snacks and entertainment, creating an easy-going evening atmosphere.

Best time to visit China

Peak season: April to early June and September to October bring generally mild, comfortable weather across many popular cities, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). These months suit city sightseeing and multi-stop itineraries.

Shoulder season: March and November can be cooler, with averages around 8–18°C (46–64°F) depending on latitude, but you will often enjoy fewer crowds. Coastal cities in the south such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Xiamen tend to stay milder than inland destinations.

Low season: December to February in northern cities like Beijing and some inland areas can be cold, often between -5 and 8°C (23–46°F), while southern hubs remain milder. July and August can be hot and humid, especially in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing, with temperatures often 28–35°C (82–95°F).

Frequently Asked Questions